Maths at Totternhoe

Mathematics teaches children how to make sense of the world around them through developing their ability to calculate reason and solve problems. It enables children to understand relationships and patterns in both number and space in their everyday lives. Through their growing knowledge and understanding, children learn to appreciate the contribution made by many cultures to the development and application of mathematics.

---

The school uses a variety of teaching and learning styles in mathematics. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding. During our daily lessons we encourage children to ask as well as answer mathematical questions. They have the opportunity to use a wide range of resources, such as number lines, number squares, digit cards and small apparatus to support their work. ICT is used in mathematics lessons for modelling ideas and methods. Wherever possible, we encourage the children to apply their learning to everyday situations.
 Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are taught in their classes. In KS2 children may be taught in sets according to ability. In all sets and classes children have a wide range of mathematical abilities. We recognise this fact and provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child. We achieve this through a range of strategies – in some lessons through differentiated group work and in other lessons by organising the children to work in pairs on open-ended problems or games. We use teaching assistants to support some children, and to ensure that work is matched to the needs of individuals.
See Key Information page for  Calculation Policies.